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One of the world’s most iconic music festivals is landing in the Cape Winelands this year, with the African debut of the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek lighting up the Winelands from 27–29 March 2026. And now the first batch of artists on the line-up has been revealed!
The festival isn’t intended as a carbon copy of Switzerland’s famous lakeside music fest, but rather takes its cue from a sense of place and a spirit of creativity. That’s evident in the early line-up that features legacy acts, contemporary South African jazz stars, and one-off collaborations.
“This first announcement reflects the spirit of Montreux at its best – where 60 years of legacy meets Africa’s artistic flair on the continent for the first time, and where African voices are central to the global musical conversation,” says founder Mark Goedvolk.
The Golden Voice at The Arches
The festival’s main outdoor stage, The Arches, will be headlined in this first phase by Salif Keita, the Malian legend widely known as The Golden Voice of Africa. It’s a rare opportunity to see him in South Africa and is sure to spark immediate attention.
Also confirmed is Mandisi Dyantyis, one of South Africa’s most compelling contemporary composers and bandleaders, whose genre-fluid trumpet work has made him a defining voice in modern African jazz. We featured him in 2025 as part of our Local Intel series too!
Photograph: Mandisi DyantyisMandisi Dyantyis
For something you won’t see elsewhere, there’s Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence, bringing together Moss Mogale and Vusi Mahlasela for a collaboration rooted in storytelling and social memory; a proper Montreux-style ‘only here, only now’ moment of music.
And then there’s the festival’s bold collaboration: The Kesivan amaBig Band Experience, led by drummer/composer Kesivan Naidoo, who splits his time between Switzerland and South Africa. Expect a 26-piece South African–European ensemble reimagining Amapiano through the language of a large acoustic jazz orchestra, featuring vocalists Boohle, Stogie T and BONJ.
For deep listening
Then there’s the Jazz Village, at the NG Church Complex. Here you’ll find the festival’s more exploratory setting, where the vibe is more intimate and lends itself to a sense of discovery. Early confirmations include a collaboration between Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, plus Kwanti Leeh! (featuring Herbie Tsoaeli, Andile Yenana, Ayanda Sikade and Sisonke Xonti). As artistic curator Lindsay Rhoda puts it: “Jazz Village is where we allow the music to breathe.”
More announcements will follow weekly, with the full programme due by early March.
Need to know
What: Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek (MJFSA), first African edition
When: 27–29 March 2026
Where: Franschhoek, The Arches + Jazz Village (NG Church Complex)
Tickets: The Arches tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster. Jazz Village tickets go on sale once the full stage lineup is complete.
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